Girl, 11, dies after falling into water on ride at Drayton Manor Park
Video report by ITV News reporter Ben Chapman
The theme park where an 11-year-old girl died after falling from a water ride is to remain closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect to the schoolgirl's family.
The girl, who was on a school trip at Drayton Manor Theme Park, was airlifted to hospital after emergency services were called to the Splash Canyon ride at around 2.20pm on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement, the victim's school, Jameah Girls Academy, assured parents "the safety and well-being of all our pupils is a priority".
"Whilst at the theme park, a tragic incident took place where one of our Year 6 pupils was airlifted to hospital. Sadly, she later passed away.
"As a school community, we are deeply shocked and our thoughts are with our pupil's family and friends," the statement added.
The school has confirmed it will also be closed on Wednesday.
Director of the West Midlands theme park George Bryan said: "It is with great sadness we have to report that a young girl has passed away at Birmingham Children's Hospital following an incident on one of our rides this afternoon.
"We are all truly shocked and devastated and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tremendously difficult time."
Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said the girl's family, who live in Leicester, were being supported by specially-trained officers.
The ride was closed following the incident which has now been passed on to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff.
“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en-route.
“Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital the girl passed away.”
The family have requested that their wishes are respected at this difficult time.
The theme park's website states the ride, which opened in 1993, features up to 21 boats, each with up to six people in.
It is open to anyone at least 0.9m (3ft) tall, although those under 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult.
The website promises "a wild ride" with "fast-flowing rapids".